I can't recommend the Women's Self Defense classes enough! I have taken two now and plan to continue with the series. There is so much to learn and you can never be too prepared. The instructors are great and provide hands on experience and real-life scenarios. SIGN UP FOR THE PEPPER SPRAY CLASS. You will be surprised by how much you don't know about using your pepper spray. The studio is a bit difficult to find and feels a little sketchy. I thought I would need to take a self defense class just to make my way into the studio. You're in the right place if you're in a dirt lot under the bridge around nothing else. Once inside, you can take these creepy industrial stairs up to the top floor or there is a massive elevator. read more

I have been training under Gershon ben Keren at Krav Maga Yashir since February 2012. In my opinion there are four reasons why Krav Maga Yashir Boston should receive serious consideration from anyone in the Boston area seeking to learn self-defense, learn a martial art, or simply vastly improve their physical fitness. Number 1 = Quality of instruction. This is the sine qua non of any martial arts school. Mr. ben Keren and his assistant instructors are professional, competent, and dedicated. Techniques are expertly demonstrated, remediated, and reinforced in a variety of partner-based and group-based drills. Students are always shown the "context" of a technique: what happens leading up to it, the purpose of each movement, and what happens afterwards. My belief is that when new students are able to perform a technique effectively on their first try, it actually reflects far more credit on the teacher than the learner. I see this happen all the time on the mats, and it speaks volumes for the knowledge and competency of the instructors. Number 2 = Krav Maga Yashir teaches the entire spectrum of violence, an area where other martial arts have major limitations. A striking art (boxing, muay thai, karate) may teach you to fight an imaginary assailant. A grappling art such as BJJ may teach you to escape from said assailant on the ground. Neither addresses the more important questions grounded in reality, such as: How did you get there? What if a knife or gun is involved? What if I accidentally trip and fall? Get taken by surprise? Get backed against a wall? Have a significant other I need to protect? Krav Maga Yashir teaches simple, direct, pragmatic solutions to all of the above, and more. Nobody needs to be Donnie Yen or Ronda Rousey to effectively defend themselves, and this school gives you the tools to do that. Number 3 = Value for your $$. Monthly membership rate is comparable to market rate for other area martial arts schools, and much lower than Crossfit gyms and other functional-fitness type places. The membership also gives free access to 5x-weekly cardio bootcamp classes, special outdoor training, and use of the gym at the studio. New workout equipment is constantly added and incorporated into the bootcamps, which themselves are a hell of a workout. Members also get first access to guest seminars with top outside Krav Maga instructors. Number 4 = Great social atmosphere. I'm always impressed by the respect, humility, and maturity of other students. It's very rare to have anyone beating on others in an attempt to be the tough guy, and such behavior is *never* tolerated. Students are all ages from 20s to 60s, all body types and fitness levels. Since all of class is partner or group based, you quickly pick up names and personalities of fellow students. Sometimes when you're on the brink of absolute physical exhaustion, you just can't help but look at each other and laugh at the insanity of it all. That's the kind of esprit that can't be faked, and a major reason I spend 10 hrs a week here without hesitation. Overall, Krav Maga Yashir gets my highest possible recommendation. I am constantly being that annoying guy urging my female friends to try it, and it's what I look forward to every day at work (when I'm not wasting time on Yelp reviews that will end up getting filtered anyway). You can try classes free for a week through the school website as well. read more

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I think I could literally repeat that this class is amazing, this class is amazing, this class is amazing, this class is amazing. However, for the sake of actually providing some details of my experience I will refrain from just repeating how the class is amazing. The instructor Gershon was very instructive and patient, gave great insight, was very keen on what form you used to perform the techniques being taught and how to help you maximize them, and very encouraging all at the same time. Additionally, the other students in the class regardless of skill level were all very helpful and welcoming. I enjoyed and was able to learn from every single with whom I was partnered. And the coolest thing is that this location has midday classes and month to month (non contractual) memberships. I appreciate having the option to not be "locked in" to a facility. Even though with all honesty, I would love to continue training here for as long as I can. Sign up for your free class online and check it out. It'll be a great workout and you'll learn useful skills even in just one class. And... make sure you Stretch well after you are done (otherwise, you'll likely wake up the next day thinking you just ran a full marathon lol)... Have fun! read more

This business appears closed. No activity seen on site. I also called on the phone and no one return my call. read more

Krav Maga Yashir - This business is closed. I found no activity. - Martial Arts Near Me - Woburn, Massachusetts

You know that feeling you get when you walk into a place and everyone gives you a look that says WARNING--INTERLOPER--WARNING? You don't get that here. Ever. At first, I just thought it was neat (and a bit novel), but as I've spent more time here, I really think the atmosphere alone deserves five stars. When I was looking for a women's self-defense course, I kept seeing ads for courses that promised to teach me how to save my ass (or kick someone else's) after five to fifteen classes. That just didn't fly with my own experience: Would I toss someone in the deep end of the pool after only five swimming lessons? Only if I despised them. The thing that really clinched my decision to commit to this course was that I just signed up for the year, and I could come to classes and scenario-testing until I was blue in the face. The ability to attend forty-something classes seemed like the best chance I had to tackle the prospect of self-defense. And that prospect always seemed like a mental and physical Gordian knot. Gershon ben Keren, the course instructor, is informative and down to earth. The women's classes are usually small, but even when a large number of students show up, everyone gets a lot of attention and help with execution. There are some basics that come up repeatedly, but class #2 in November was definitely not a rehash of class #2 in October. I've learned new ideas and details every time I take off my socks and walk onto the mat. At my first class, we were also invited to try the more rigorous mixed-gender classes. I found the other students to be consistently friendly, patient, and obviously there to learn, work, and work out together. I really enjoyed those classes too, but the monthly fee for the regular classes was more than I could afford at the time. If you're free on Saturday mornings (and you happen to be a woman), sign up for the women's self-defense course! read more

If getting your ass kicked if your version of five stars, then this place is definitely five stars. I worked out really hard and didn't feel too awkward going to my first class here today. The boot camp classes are 45 minutes, and you work HARD during those 45 minutes, but at the same time, we were split into groups so it was fun and a group effort in getting our butts handed to us. I rarely get the sensation that I am going to barf from working out and I briefly felt that way today because we were working out hard. Before class, Elizabeth checked me in and was really friendly and helpful. She gave me some positive reinforcement that walking is one of the best things to do for my body, so that was nice to hear. The space is in a big warehouse type building, and is pretty no frills. I definitely feel like I am going to hurt for a few days, and if you're looking results, I am sure going here regularly will give them to you. I am not sure if it'll end up be convenient enough for me to go regularly based on the location and their schedule, but I did get a really good workout! read more

Friend: "I'm gonna take Krav Maga!" Me: "...Hey! That sounds awesome! I'll take it too!" Friend: "Awesome! Look up some places!" Me: "Huh? I thought you already had a place in mind." Friend: "No. I just thought it would be cool to learn Krav Maga." Me: "Ummm... How about this place. It's right around the corner from work." Friend: "Nice! Try it out and tell me how it goes." Me: "Errrm... Kaaaay..." ...And so I set out on my journey into the world of Krav Maga... Alone! Most martial arts/self defense classes are very physical, but I think what makes Krav Maga Yashir different is that time is spent explaining and understanding the psychology of violence. Understanding that violence happens on a time line and the situations that allow it to happen has opened up my view of the world around me. Gershon Ben Keren and his instructor team do an amazing job of explaining real world applications of Krav Maga. Fights in a bar, muggings on the street, company Christmas parties, they go over many everyday situations/settings to make you feel safe and confident in a very mixed up world. read more

I just came back from my first 2 hour class. WOW, it's a real workout. What I really liked was that everyone is friendly. They welcome you in & help you to get involved. They don't push or ever talk down to you. They have a nice way they present Krav Maga. They start slow & build you up from basics. Today's class I found on LivingSocial and I'm really glad to have found it. We started basically with 1 on 1 hand to hand blocking & how to move. Then advanced to knife blocking & evasion then with a pistol. The instructors took the time to walk you through each motion so you really got to understand what to do. The end of the class featured 1 student in the middle of 7 fellow students where they came at you with hands, knives and pistols along with knee blow pad for a minute, each taking turns in the middle. Very intense but alot of fun. The class I took was mixed men & women, the women do just as well as the men. I still feel like jello after the workout. The location isn't super easy if you're taking public transportation but you can get the #93 MBTA bus right near the Charlestown Police Station and walk about 1/4 mile down the street. Just look for the HUGE 200 on the building at the end of the street. Dress comfortable with comfortable workout clothes. Nothing fancy needed. It's was a bit chilly but I fealt fine in a hoodie. By the end I was dripping sweat in a good way. They have a water cooler & I'm soo glad for it. Next time I'll bring my own water bottle for the walk home. They have womens classes, classes for kids as well as the mixed classes. Another part that was really nice was it didn't ever feel like a sales pitch. Of course they'd like you to join but there wasn't pressure. "Come to the next class & see if you like it" was the reply. I think I'd like to continue with this. read more

I signed up for the free Women's self-defense class for last Saturday, and unfortunately did not know that the class had been cancelled. I did find an email from them later (unfortunately buried in Gmail's new, inconvenient auto-sorted folders) calling the cancellation. So I showed up at the big, empty industrial-type building at the scheduled time, and found nobody in the little room-- which a Krav Maga representative later informed me via email was not the actual training room, but rather a "common space" that leads to the training room. Either way, I was very confused with the lack of information and was not impressed with the half-finished sign for the classes learning on the wall next to cans of paints. Knowing that the absence of staff that day was due to a cancelled class, I'd say that I'm willing to go back and try a free class again. The other reviews make it sound amazing, so if I do make it back, I'll be sure to update this with a more informed review. read more

Just started going to the boot camp classes and they're amazing. I do work out regularly and consider myself in pretty good shape but there are people of all fitness levels in the class. The work out is designed for you to go at your own pace and everyone is very encouraging and friendly. The circuits switch up the exercises so you're never bored. The instructors definitely push you, so if you're looking for a class that will leave you in agony for days this one is great! read more

I never had a fight in my life, but always want to learn some marital arts! I found this place online, they provide first week free, you can come as much as you want! There is gym that you can use, a lot of parking, and people who train there are very nice that gives you good advices and trying to make you feel welcome! The owner of the place is a big time professional, the one that you want to stand next to you in A bar fight for a monthly fee you can come as much as you want, and use all equipment they have!! So if you looking for a place to learn self defense, give them a try, its free 1 week anyway, but believe me it will be hard refuse to sign in! read more

I believe a good old fashioned success story is always a great way to talk about the quality of an organization so here goes: For the past 5 years I have been trying to help my wife overcome her fear of being attacked on the street. Over the years she has tried a variety of different martial arts and traditional women's self defense classes. None of them seemed to work for her. In fact, I think they all made her feel worse about her ability to protect herself (even more vulnerable than before she showed up). She could learn the techniques perfectly but when they didn't seem to work just right in a simulated "reality" situation she would panic and freeze. About six months ago she decided she needed and wanted to take another shot at conquering this fear. She had heard about Krav Maga Yashir Boston from a friend and made a plan to attend their free Saturday women's self defense classes. I knew something was different when she came back from her first class very fired up about attending the next one the following week. I was very surprised as I was used to her coming home from other self defense "workshops" feeling more disappointed and unprepared than before she went. For next couple of months she continued to attend the Saturday class with instructor Griffin Coombs. She even brought several friends who all raved about the class as well. I could see her confidence growing with each class and I could see the idea of her being able to protect herself on the street growing in her mind. About a month ago we decided to do a few private couples classes with Griffin. My wife wanted to learn the techniques but she also wanted me to be there to be her simulated attacker. We worked out for a while working on some basic fighting blocks, stances, punches and kicks. And then we got down to some of the attack specific stuff that she was most afraid of. From the start I could see the panic building in her eyes. I was worried we were headed for another letdown. At first she froze even though she had learned the techniques (which are incredibly simple and effective). The point of "freezing" is where my wife would typically check out and consider herself a failure. Griffin noticed this right away he saw this as a teaching opportunity. Her told her that she had great technique but that she just needed to get more and more comfortable focusing on surviving the situation and solving the problem. Essentially he discovered that what was paralyzing her was that she was trying too hard to make the technique 100% perfect. He noticed that when she didn't get the techniques just right she would get flustered, stop her defense and surrender. He asked her instead to focus on using the technique to "solve the problem" and successfully "survive the situation" instead of trying to make the technique look beautiful. He told her to just focus on getting away for now and don't worry about how it looks. This was a huge breakthrough for her. The next week we returned for our next session with Griffin. He reminded her of everything we had talked about and then he told me to attack her with a rear choke as if she was getting mugged on the street. She escaped and got away. It wasn't pretty at first but she got away. Then he continued to have me increase the intensity of the attacks. I tightened up my chokes and even started trying to pull her around. All the while Griffin coached her from the side telling her she had to escape and advising her on the proper technique. Another escape! Then he asked her to walk down the mat with her eyes closed and he told me to surprise her and to try to trick her a bit before I attacked her. He also stopped coaching her. She continued to escape and, sure enough, as the repetitions and her confidence increased so too did the quality of her technique. We ended the class by having her tire herself out by doing push ups, squats, box jumps and spins. She was exhausted and dizzy. He told her to close her eyes and he told me to attack her one more time. Without an ounce of panic she performed her escape and put me in a hammer lock before making her getaway. Thank you Gershon and Griffin for helping my wife to make a major breakthrough and begin the process of conquering her biggest fears. Thanks also for helping her realize that she can survive if she has to. I love the location (vintage warehouse environment) and I love that the approach and techniques are focused on "reality based situations". I am not looking for things to be "sugar coated" because I know they are not sugar coated on the street. Nobody that is going to mug, rob or rape you is going to approach you and say: "excuse me, but would you mind if I mugged, robbed or raped you now?" Gershon and Griffin helped her (us) understand how a real street attack might go down and they helped prepare us for a real solution. More importantly, they did it all in a very professional, sensitive and caring way. read more

I hired Gershon Ben Keren and his partner to come to our office in Newton and teach their Seps Women's self-defense class after the South Boston kidnapping incident. This is not your average self-defense class. You won't be hearing the obvious, don't be on your cell phone, don't walk down a dark alley etc. You will learn how not to be chosen as the victim. Gershon has a background in psychology, military training and personal protection. You will feel like you are watching the Mentalist or an episode of CSI. Our group session was an hour long and people stayed almost an hour and a half asking questions. It was intense, stories were shared, and no one wanted to leave. Bring your wife, daughter, your nanny or your niece. I know it's a heavy topic, but it will leave you feeling empowered and more prepared in a dangerous situation, it could save your life one day. read more

This school literally offers more then most martial arts schools around. The school also has a large separate area that offers a a large variety of weights and gym equipment. In addition to krav classes the school also teaches ground work... And offers fitness classes in the morning during the week and in Saturday's . The training is great combination of physically exerting and technical... The school offers a great opportunity to get in shape in a fun and diverse way... While learning technical aspects of Krav Maga along the way. read more

The instructor, Gershon, is excellent. He knows his stuff, and he is able to communicate it in a way that is easy to understand. Although the idea of martial arts can be intimidating (and it does require hard work), the atmosphere is very welcoming and positive, and the result is that you can learn great skills without being uncomfortable. If you want to learn *practical* self-defense (and not Karate Kid-style martial arts ballet), this is the place. read more

I see that my husband beat me to raving about Krav Maga Yashir. There are some things however I want to add. I myself am in the fitness industry. I have been teaching, training, and mentoring teachers/trainers for the past 13 years. The quality of teaching found at Krav Maga Yashir is exceptional. The instructors know how to present and teach the exercise as well as cue you on how to improve the technique your working on. You can tell that the instructors not only know what they are doing, but they actually love teaching and genuinely care about the level of instruction given as well as each students individual experience in class. I have been in a real life Self Defense situation, and because of it I have made a point to take any and every self defense/ martial arts class offered. Each time it's been the same. I learn the technique, love the workout aspect of the class, and panic when they attempt to simulate a real life experience. When I arrived at my first Krav Maga class I pulled aside our instructor (Griffin) and told him of my concerns. He said that they were there to help in any way possible and anything that he or the owner Gershon could do to make my experience more comfortable to please let them know. This class however was different then all of the rest. The language used was helpful with out sugar coating, and they spoke of real life scenarios without eliciting fear or panic. I've been a victim and this class finally made me feel empowered. For the first time, I believed that I could defend myself and that the techniques felt like something achievable (they use technique that is based on your bodies natural responses). The thing that really makes this place stand out though is the owner and the instructors. They genuinely care. They are encouraging through class, check in with where your at and how your doing, and they even shared in my excitement when I had a break through. I highly recommend Krav Maga Yashir to anyone looking for Krav Maga, Self Defense, or even just an amazing workout. I know for me walking in on a Saturday morning was one of the best decisions I could have made. read more

For the past few years, I have been looking for a krav maga/self-defense class to take. I didn't have any friends who could give me advice on a place, so I turned to my trusty Google search bar. I was lucky enough to find this place about 8 months ago, back when it was located in Medford. I convinced a friend to come try a class with me in January and was instantly addicted and since then, I have been going pretty regularly. I think the thing that really got me hooked was that the instructors make sure to teach both the mental and physical aspects you need to combat an attack. Also, it doesn't hurt that everyone (instructors and fellow students) are all welcoming and such fun to be around. I do have to mention, I was a little bummed when Gershon decided to move out of the space they were renting (I assume) in Medford and set up shop in Charlestown. However, after seeing the new space, I completely understand why the decision was made. The space is much larger and now we don't have to worry about running into padded poles in the middle of the mats, like at the old Medford location. The first time finding the new locations was a bit of an adventure, but the pictures they put upon their website to help navigate came in handy. Now I think the industrial environment is fun and makes you feel a little hardcore. Maybe that's just me though. :) Long story short, I hope to never have to use the skills I am learning, but highly recommend all women (of any age) come and check out the class!!! read more

I have been going to Krav Maga Yahir Boston's free women's self-defense class almost every Saturday for about six months and I have loved every class! I started going because I thought it would be good to learn what I should do in case I am ever attacked. While Krav Maga has taught me to do just that, they have also taught me so much more. I get a great workout every class and every class I learn something new about how to defend myself. I am a small person and was skeptical (before I took Krav Maga) that I could prevent an attack from happening. However, Krav Maga has taught me techniques, skills, and a mind set that has given me the confidence that I could prevent an attack. The instructors at Krav Maga are friendly, informative, and super helpful. While the location is a work in progress (they just moved in a few months ago), I think it has a charm and uniqueness that a more cookie cutter studio could not provide. I look forward to Saturday mornings every week and I highly recommend Krav Maga Yahir Boston's free self-defense class to anyone that is interested!! read more

I've never done any sort of class activity before, but I signed up for the free women's self-defense class because hey, free self-defense. Gershon, the instructor, is awesome! He gives super practical advice, firmly grounded in extensive study of psychology and human behavior. I really appreciated the background in why people might attack you, what sorts of scenarios (planned/spontaneous), how to analyze the causes, etc. I'd go as far as to say this was the most valuable part of the class for me. The physical aspect was great too-- we worked with partners and two additional male instructors. Today we did the infamous red-man suit drill, where you actually get "attacked" and use full force to fend him off. My heart rate went way up and I could feel the adrenaline pumping; it was scary and empowering at the same time. The space itself is gritty and bare-bones, in keeping with the aesthetic of this type of training. If you're fond of those South End yoga places you'd probably hate this. There are no coffee shops or anything else in the area, the stairs and elevator are pretty sketchy, there's a crate that has hours and classes written on it in lieu of a sign ,and you have to kind of trespass through a shipyard parking lot if you take the T. But I am beyond happy at having found this place and think it's fabulous that they're providing this service for free. read more

I have trained in martial arts since high school, and this is easily the best school I've ever attended. The instruction is practical, fun, and supportive. The students are there to help each other, while still learning serious skills. I've been training here for about five years and look forward to many years to come. read more

awesome. went once and joined that same day. everyone, the students and the instructors, are really supportive and just fun to be around. the instruction is great (i threw a guy twice my size the second day i went). you're encouraged to push as hard as you can, but no one is going to make you feel like a jerk if your pace is slower than the pack. the environment makes you want to give it your all. they also offer taekwondo and muy thai. when you join, you can try out different disciplines. i'm a bit of a chicken when it comes to trying new things on my own, but i felt like i fit in the first class. read more

Before I joined and since joining, I have visited practically all Krav Maga schools in the Boston area and this is by far the best! I've been a member for over 2 years now and would not even consider wasting more time checking out other schools. The instructors are superb. They bring years of real-life experience and it truly makes a difference. There is certain wisdom that only they can share and that you will not get from other schools and instructors. I was lucky enough to participate in a school-organized trip to Israel to practice with the masters. Again, only this school has ties deep enough to the get you connected with the true roots of this Martial Art. Aside from expertise of instructors, I also enjoy the profile of students that this school attracts. It's an environment to build close friendships - so much more fun than me and a machine in a gym. Much better, full-body workout also. Whether you are new to the area and are looking for friends or if you are looking for a top notch self-defense training, or just in the market to get a great workout, I would highly recommend this school. read more

I have been a member here for almost one year, and practicing with Gershon has been fantastic. He brings a depth of knowledge and skill to the class from his experiences and he can easily translate that to members of different skill levels and needs. What I most like are the approachable instructors, the sense of community at the dojo, and constant challenge. read more

Went for the free introductory lesson. Would go weekly, but it's too difficult to get to Medford from Newton. The guys are awesome. Great gym. Lot of fun. Sorry for the non sequitors. Truly a great place, I highly recommend. read more

I have tried to go to gyms for years, but I usually end up going for a few days and then stop going, Krav Maga is one of the most fun ways to work out and keep you motivated. What I enjoy the best about it is that the rest of the students, as well as the instructors are not intimidating to an out-of-shape newbie. As far as the self defense component it is also great as it is very practical and immediate. read more